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Bruxism

Sleep Bruxism (SB) is a condition where individuals grind and clench their teeth during sleep, affecting 10-20% of the population. Regular occurrence can lead to tooth damage, jaw muscle discomfort, and TMJ pain. Exerting up to 250 pounds of bite force, many are unaware of their condition until facing complications.

Solutions: Dr. Desai specializes in both dental and sleep health, offering assessments for sleep bruxism and its daytime counterpart, Awake Bruxism (AB). She provides customized occlusal splints for both night and day use to manage symptoms and promote pain-free sleep. Additionally, she assesses airway issues to rule out underlying Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which is often associated with SB.

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Why Dr. Aditi Desai Stands Out

Comprehensive Care

Comprehensive Care

Dr. Aditi Desai specializes in comprehensive care for sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, snoring, sleep bruxism (SB), and temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD).

Improving Sleep Quality

Improving Sleep Quality

Dr. Aditi aims to improve her patients’ sleep quality, aiding in overcoming daytime issues like fatigue and reduced productivity caused by sleep disorders.

Personalized Treatment Plans

Personalized Treatment

Each patient gets a personalized treatment plan for their specific sleep issues, ensuring effective interventions for improved sleep outcomes.

Long-Term Support

Long-Term Support

Patients receive ongoing support and follow-up care from Dr. Aditi Desai for sustained improvements in sleep quality and oral health.

Symptoms of Sleep Bruxism?

Grinding or clenching teeth can put pressure on the oral structure: muscles, tissues, and jaw. This pressure translates into:

  • Anxiety, stress, and tension;
  • Earache, as some temporomandibular joint structures are close to the outer ear canal. The pain may not be directly in the ear, it may be referred pain from a nearby area;
  • Eating disorders;
  • Headache;
  • Muscle sensitivity, especially in the morning;
  • Dental sensitivity when consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods;
  • Insomnia;
  • Jaw pain or swelling

These are general symptoms, although some people may grind and clench their teeth but show no symptoms. Things that can affect how long the clenching lasts include: patient stress levels, teeth not being aligned, posture, diet, and sleeping habits.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I have symptoms of sleep bruxism?

If you notice any symptoms, it’s important to consult with a specialist. Please fill out our form to schedule an appointment with the expert Dr. Desai. Early assessment can help manage symptoms effectively and prevent further complications.

What causes sleep bruxism?

As with a lot of sleep related conditions, there are multiple factors that can contribute and influence the increased risk of suffering from sleep bruxism, so it is challenging to identify a single cause for the problem. We can, however, understand that there are a particular number of causes associated with the greater probability of one suffering from sleep bruxism, therefore treatment can be provided to help.

  • Stress & Anxiety – The grinding of teeth has long been held as one physical root cause of stress and anxiety. Researchers have stated that those who grind their teeth tend to report more symptoms of anxiety and depression than those not suffering with bruxism.
  • Change of Sleep Patterns – Evidence suggests that episodes of teeth grinding and clenching can be connected to a change of sleep pattern.
  • Genetic & Life Factors – A number of other factors have been identified to have been associated with sleep bruxism such as:

– Cigarette smoking
– Alcohol consumption
– Caffeine intake
– Depression
– Snoring

What is the treatment for sleep bruxism?

Depending on the severity of the case and how much it may affect the teeth, different treatments will be suggested:

  • Relaxation: For some people, learning relaxation techniques and changing daily habits is enough. Massaging the face, head and neck in particular can help to relax the muscles.
  • Occlusal/discharge splint: This is a resin or plastic dental protector that is used in severe cases. It treats the symptoms but not the cause in order to prevent tooth damage. It stops jaw, head, and ear pain from when it is used. The patient can wear it during the day, at night, or both, depending on the intensity of the bruxism and what the specialist recommends. It should be noted that occlusal splints do not get rid of bruxism.
  • Night guard: A custom made Night Guard may be recommended in order to help prevent the symptoms of bruxism and the long-term problems associated with it.

As well as treatments, advice is often given, including:

  • apply ice or damp heat to jaw muscles.
  • avoid hard foods such as nuts.
  • avoid chewing gum.
  • drink plenty of water.
  • get about 6-8 hours of sleep a day
  • try to find ways to reduce sources of daily stress.

Can children have sleep bruxism?

Yes, children can experience sleep bruxism. Factors such as stress, dental alignment, and growth spurts can contribute to bruxism in children.

Are there ways to prevent sleep bruxism?

While it may not be entirely preventable, reducing stress, maintaining good sleep hygiene, and avoiding stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol before bed can help decrease the likelihood of grinding teeth during sleep.

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